THE DEVICES OF THE DEVIL

2 Corinthians 2:11
The christian engaged in spiritual warfare cannot afford to be careless about his spiritual life. The devil will exploit every available loophole to his advantage. However we must be on guard and must remember the memorable words of the hymn-writer that soldiers who are fighting for Jesus must never be found sleeping on guard.
The Greek word translated “devices” is the word “noema” meaning the thoughts, purposes, plans, strategies and designs of the devil. The word is translated thought (2 Corinthians 10:5); devices (2 Corinthians 2:11); and minds (2 Corinthians 3:14; 4:4; 11:3; Philippians 4:7).
The devil will take advantage of every failure of the christian using it to get into his life and cause his downfall (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 5:8,9; Ephesians 6:10-18; Judges 16:1-25).

1) DESCRIPTION OF SATAN’S DEVICES 👇👇👇
2 Corinthians 2:11; 6:14-18; Hosea 4:6; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 1:19,20; James 4:4; 1:22-25; John 14:30; Revelation 3:15-18; Amos 6:1; 1 Samuel 12:23.

(a) Ignorance (2 Corinthians 2:11; 1:8; Romans 1:13; 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1; 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13)
(b) Error (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 1:19,20; 6:20,21; 2 Timothy 2:16-18)
(c) Immorality and Idolatry (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; John 14:30)
(d) Lukewarmness and lethargy (Revelation 3:15-18; Amos 6:1)
(e) Sifting and forgetfulness (Matthew 13:1-30; Luke 11:28; 22:31,32; James 1:22-25)
(f) Prayerlessness and carelessness (1 Samuel 12:23)
(g) Unequal yoke and evil friendship (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15:33)

2) DESTRUCTION OF SATAN’S DEVICES 👇👇👇
John 8:32; Romans 12:1,2,11; Galatians 2:20; Isaiah 64:7; 60:1; Ephesians 5:14; Hebrews 2:1-4; James 1:22-25; Luke 21:36; 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Job 23:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 2:11.

(a) Knowledge (Hosea 4:6; 2 Corinthians 2:11)
Knowledge is the solution to ignorance. Knowledge of the devil’s devices will help us to know how to avoid the traps. The ignorant will fall into the traps all the time.
(b) Truth (John 8:32; Ephesians 1:17-23,3; 3:20)
Truth is the antidote against error. The truth that you know will set you free.
(c) Consecration and commitment (Romans 12:11; Galatians 2:20)
Consecration to serve God with our whole being is the way out of worldliness. Commitment to God’s standard even in the face of opposition is the only solution to compromise. Stand up and be counted among the faithful.
(d) Fervency and earnestness (Romans 12:11; Isaiah 64:7; 60:1; Ephesians 5:14)
Fervency in the things of the Lord and earnestness for righteousness will combat lukewarmness and lethargy. Make a conscious, determined effort to stir up yourself to take hold of God. Awake to righteousness. Arise and shine. Shake up yourself from slumber.
(e) Decision to hear, retain and obey (Matthew 13:1-30; John 8:47; Hebrews 2:1-4; James 1:22-25) The quality of our heart determines whether we retain God’s word or not. The wayside heart cannot. The worldly heart will ultimately be fruitless for the thorns will choke up the growing word.
Make a conscious effort to remember. Take heed to what you hear and how you hear.
(f) Prayer and seriousness (Luke 21:26; 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Job 23:12)
Pray without ceasing. Men ought always to pray and not to faint. Victory is not automatic – there is a process to follow to obtain it. Take your spiritual life serious. Give it the priority it deserves.
Desire God’s word more than your necessary food.
(g) Severance of all ungodly alliances (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Ungodly, unrighteous alliances will always be a trap to your soul. Delilah will always destroy Samson and Jezebel will never be a blessing to Ahab. Outlandish women will always cause Solomon to go astray from God. Every evil alliance is a spiritual time bomb!